Blessed Dina Bélanger

<p>Born April 30 1897, Dina was the only daughter of a well-to-do couple in Quebec City. A gifted student, Dina had remarkable musical talent and, after studying at the New York Conservatory, could have pursued a career as a concert pianist.</p>
<p>Always keenly aware of the role of others, notably her parents, in supporting her faithful response to the call of the gospel, Dina pronounced final vows with the Religious of Jesus and Mary at the age of 25. Her spirit of praise and generosity inspired her motto, "to refuse God nothing." Despite failing health, her simple life in the convent as musician and educator is glowing testimony to the value of living daily our call to sainthood in whatever setting we find ourselves. As such, she is a model for musicians, artists, educators, religious men and women, youth, parents and the sick.</p>
<p>Dina died on September 4 1929, at the age of 32, promising her family and friends to be a "beggar of love in heaven." She was beatified in 1993, at the same time that Claudine Thévenet (1774-1837), foundress of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, was canonized. This missionary congregation works today in many parts of the world, in over 20 different languages.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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